Security personnel during a search operation in the trouble torn areas in Manipur.
Credit: PTI Photo
Guwahati: Many government officials in conflict-torn Manipur are literally spending sleepless nights due to extortion demands served by several armed groups recently, prompting the state government to ask them to avoid visiting "unsafe locations."
With the extortion demands creating a sense of fear among many, the state home department set up an anti-extortion cell for quick response.
In a statement, Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh stated that many individuals including government officials have been threatened with severe consequences via calls, messages and letters from various unlawful organisations if extortion demands are not met.
"These activities pose a significant threat to the law and order situation in the state."
"The government earnestly appeals to the public, including the government officials, to report any such cases of threats or extortion to the integrated anti-extortion cell through toll-free number 1800-202-3326. Upon receiving a report, the cell will coordinate with the relevant police stations to take appropriate action. The public is also advised to avoid visiting unsafe locations."
The anti-extortion cell would comprise representatives from the state police, central paramilitary forces, Army and Assam Rifles.
With the Meitei-Kuki conflict keeping the state on its toes since May 2023, Manipur, mainly Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley districts, have witnessed a surge in extortion and abduction by several armed groups.
The state police reported several cases and even arrested many cadres of insurgent groups for extortion and abduction. The police even said weapons, which were looted from armouries during the flareup in 2023, were also found being used for extortion.
More than 6,000 weapons were looted and nearly half of them have still remained missing.
The Army on Sunday said operations in search of the missing weapons was stepped up and at least 35 such weapons and ammunition were recovered from Meitei-dominated Bishnupur, Imphal West, Chandel, Kakching, Noney, Jiribam and in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts, since January 19.